What does a drought watch advisory mean for Central Virginia?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A drought advisory has been declared across Virginia, prompting 95 counties to be in the watch stage and 12 counties in the warning.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force issued these advisories in the afternoon on Monday, June 24 due to precipitation deficits in combination with increased temperatures resulting in rapid intensification of drought throughout the state.

The Shenandoah region was issued a drought warning, including Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Page, Warren, and Clarke counties, along with Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, and Fairfax counties for the Northern Virginia region.

All other counties in the state have been issued a watch advisory.

What are the differences between the advisories?

A drought watch is intended to help Virginians prepare for a potential drought, while a drought warning indicates a significant drought event is imminent — or about to happen.

A drought emergency is required during the height of a very severe or extreme drought event.

How can I help at home?

The Virginia DEQ lists the following responses to each drought stage declaration for those at home to take:

For a drought watch, minimize nonessential water use, review existing local water conservation and drought contingency plans and take conservation actions consistent with those plans,

For a drought warning:

• Minimize nonessential water use, including the elimination of non-essential flushing of water lines
• Begin voluntary water conservation requirements contained in drought water conservation and contingency plans

For a drought emergency, follow guidance about:

• irrigation of lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields;
• washing of paved surfaces such as streets, roads, sidewalks, driveways, garages, parking areas, tennis courts and patios;
• use of water for washing or cleaning mobile equipment, including autos, trucks, trailers, and boats;
• use of water for the operation of ornamental fountains, artificial waterfalls, misting machines, and reflecting pools;
• use of water to fill up and top off outdoor swimming pools; and
• serving water in restaurants, clubs, or eating-places.

The DEQ says it is working with local governments, public water works and those in affected areas to ensure drought response plans and ordinances are followed.

The department is also encouraging all across the state to minimize our water use, monitor drought conditions and detect and repair leaks at this time to help protect water supplies.

This is a developing story. Stick with 8News both on-air and online for updates.